Fujifilm USA: Digicam service advisoriesBy
Mike Tomkins(Friday, October 7, 2005 - 12:28 EDT)Two service advisories have been posted on the website of Fujifilm USA that are similar to those posted by Canon USA which we reported on yesterday.NOTE: Since this item was published, we have compiled a new and more in depth source of information on this issue. Please consider visiting our article CCD Sensor Problems in Consumer Imaging Products as well as (or instead of) this item!

According to the advisories, owners of four models may experience problems with their cameras - the FinePix A303, F410, F700, and S2 Pro. Serial number ranges are given for cameras that may be affected, and Fujifilm USA recommends US customers to return the cameras to a specific address if service is needed, even if the warranty period has expired. The advisories do note that although the CCD issue will be covered free of charge, any other issues that exist on the cameras may have to be paid for if the warranty has expired.

Original Source Press Release:

Service Advisory to Owners of the FinePix A303, F410, and F700 Digital Cameras

Thank you for your patronage of Fujifilm FinePix digital cameras.

FUJI PHOTO FILM U.S.A., INC. announces that some of the FinePix A303, F410, and F700 digital camera models may develop a problem with the CCD imaging sensor. However, the problem affects a limited number of units and may not occur in all cameras.

The symptoms are captured images that appear completely black, have a purplish cast or multi- colored distortions. These symptoms would be seen on the camera LCD monitor when the camera is in the shooting mode or during playback. A limited number of these models will have these problems. The following list of serial numbers and model names may be affected:

Model

Serial Number Range

FinePix A303

3JA4****~3JA5****

FinePix F410

32A1****32A6****~32A7****32A9****

FinePix F700

33A0****34A1****

Serial numbers are found on the bottom of the cameras

If your camera serial number is on the list and experiences the symptoms described above and have no other additional damage/malfunction, FUJI PHOTO FILM U.S.A., INC. will repair your camera at no charge, even if your standard one-year limited warranty has expired. If your camera is beyond the standard one year, limited warranty period, you will receive a written estimate for any additional damages or malfunctions not listed in this Service Advisory.

This announcement is issued by FUJI PHOTO FILM U.S.A., INC. and is limited to only those Fujifilm products imported to the U.S.A. by FUJI PHOTO FILM U.S.A., INC. and sold by FUJI PHOTO FILM U.S.A., INC. to authorized dealers.

IF SERVICE IS NEEDED:Package the camera carefully using ample padded material to prevent damage in transit. Include your name, address and phone number with the shipment as well as a general description of the problem. Keep a record of the camera's serial number and shipment tracking number. Ship your camera to the Fuji Service Center noted below:

FUJI PHOTO FILM U.S.A., INC. announces that some of the FinePix S2 Pro digital camera models may develop a problem with the CCD imaging sensor. During a certain period in the production process, there was a lack of uniformity in the quality of the CCD. It was determined that this problem may happen due to a combination of CCD quality and usage/storage conditions or age deterioration. However, the problem affects a limited number of units and may not occur in all cameras.

The symptom is captured images that appear completely black, have a purplish cast or multi- colored distortions. The following list of serial numbers may be affected:

Model

Serial Number Range

FinePix S2 Pro

31A127**~31A143**32A000**~32A039**33A000**~33A007**34A000**~34A004**

Serial numbers are found on the bottom of the camera.

If your camera serial number is on the list and experiences the symptoms described above and has no other additional damage/malfunction, FUJI PHOTO FILM U.S.A., INC. will repair your camera at no charge, even if your standard one-year limited warranty has expired. If your camera is beyond the standard one year, limited warranty period, you will receive a written estimate for any additional damages or malfunctions not listed in this Service Advisory.

This announcement is issued by FUJI PHOTO FILM U.S.A., INC. and is limited to only those Fujifilm products imported to the U.S.A. by FUJI PHOTO FILM U.S.A., INC. and sold by FUJI PHOTO FILM U.S.A., INC. to authorized dealers.

IF SERVICE IS NEEDED:Package the camera carefully using ample padded material to prevent damage in transit. Include your name, address and phone number with the shipment as well as a general description of the problem. Keep a record of the camera's serial number and shipment tracking number. Ship your camera to the Fuji Service Center noted below: